rear wheel 16 vs 18
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 123
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From: NC
rear wheel 16 vs 18
buying a set of wheels for my electra glide classic, same price for 16 or 18 inch rears. whats the pro's and cons, or why does everyone replace with 18? thanks guys and gals
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
Pros- Looks and yes you can see it but it's not a huge deal if you go with a 16" rear.
Cons- Tire selection is limited but getting better and ride can be a little firmer due to less sidewall, I have done it, the 18" front and 18" rear on a Fatboy and couldn't really tell that the ride was firmer but maybe you could.
Cons- Tire selection is limited but getting better and ride can be a little firmer due to less sidewall, I have done it, the 18" front and 18" rear on a Fatboy and couldn't really tell that the ride was firmer but maybe you could.
A friend of mine did it... 19" FR and 18" R... I did not notice the difference on his Limited cause the stock bags covered most of the wheel anyway. I have extended bags and really have no reason to change my rear wheel other than to match the front one that I am ordering soon... also a 19" Agitator. If you too have a bagger, perhaps using the $$$ for the rear wheel for something else on your wish list.... Just my 2˘
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: michigan
I did an 18 rear 21 front on my rk...it raised the rear .75 inches so i did 1 inch lowering shocks to bring it back down..i also lowered the front an inch...as far as ride quality its basically the same as before...maybe a touch stiffer ... i was worried about wobble and after talking with the guys at eastern performance he put my mind at ease that it wouldnt b an issue and it hasnt thank god
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 4
From: The Great River Road, Wisconsin
It's gotta change your final drive ratio if you do it on the rear, unless the 18" has such a low profile tire it compensates for the difference.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,062
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From: Boca Raton, FL
I did a 21 / 18 combo and replaced my 16/16 stock setup
Ride height increases, which was good for me because I have floorboard extenders from harleygoodies so that gave me back my clearance in turns
18 rear does make it easier to check pressure and add air in the rear when needed
Ride height increases, which was good for me because I have floorboard extenders from harleygoodies so that gave me back my clearance in turns
18 rear does make it easier to check pressure and add air in the rear when needed